rezept

Rezept is a German noun with two primary meanings: a set of instructions for preparing food or beverages, i.e., a recipe; and a medical prescription, the physician's order to obtain a medicine or treatment.

Etymology: The term derives from the French recette, meaning recipe or receipt, and entered German in the Early Modern period. The two senses have coexisted since then.

In cooking, a recipe lists ingredients with quantities and describes the steps of preparation and cooking, sometimes with comments on technique, timing, yield, and equipment. Recipes appear in cookbooks, magazines, websites, and household notes, and can vary by tradition, dietary needs, or personal preference. They serve as guides for both novice cooks and professionals.

In medicine, a prescription authorizes the pharmacist to dispense medication. A prescription typically includes the patient's name, the prescribed drug, dosage, administration instructions, and duration. In Germany the system distinguishes between 'Kassenrezept' (covered by statutory insurance) and 'Privatrezept' (billed to the patient). Some countries use digital prescriptions or electronic systems.

Because the same word covers both senses, context is essential in German. In most cases the surrounding words indicate whether a discussion concerns cooking or medicine. Outside German, 'recipe' and 'prescription' are usually separate terms.